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Jun 9, 2013

Zombies Can't Write

A little play on the morbid, but the fact is . . . I should be dead. At least that's what all the doctors and nurses during my 5 day stay at the hospital said . . . over and over and over.

So here are the deets.

As some of you already know, I've been struggling with my health the past few months. Because of the gory details, I haven't posted exactly what was going on, but now, in order for you to understand what's happened, I feel I need to include that. Please forgive me if it's a bit much.

Starting in January, I had a non-stop period that got worse and worse until I was hemorrhaging. My husband took me to the ER on April 7th where they examined me and did an ultra sound. They found that my uterus is filled with fibroid tumors and is the size of a soccer ball. It's supposed to be the size of a pear. They also found an unusual cyst that was putting pressure on my cervix, causing a great deal of pain. They put me on 4 (FOUR) birth control pills a day and told me to make an appointment with my OB/Gyn.

The next day I called my Gyn and they said they couldn't get me in for 4 WEEKS. UGH. So I made the appointment, hung up and called my medical doctor who got me in two days later. After getting all the info and checking me out, he also suggested I stay on the pill and then he called my Gyn, told him it was urgent and had them move my appointment closer. It was still two weeks away, but at least it was closer.

Finally at the Gyn. office, he examined me and did a biopsy (later found out there was no sign of cancer. Whew!) He told me I needed to have a hysterectomy ASAP, but because of the cyst and that I'm somewhat high risk, he referred me to a specialist in Boise who can do the operation with the Da Vinci Robot. The surgery would be a lot less invasive and the recovery time would be minimal. He then told me to stay on the 4 pills a day until the surgery.

(Sorry this is getting SOO long. Hang in there)

So I saw the Boise doctor, scheduled the surgery for June 5th and tried to remain positive. While waiting I managed to lose almost 20 pounds (no appetite) and because I was only spotting, I figured I would feel much better and should be getting stronger. WRONG. Each day I seemed to be getting weaker and weaker and could do less. On the morning of May 30th, just 5 days before my surgery, I woke with a racing heart, chest pains and I couldn't breathe. My husband rushed me to the ER where they did an EKG, a chest xray and a CT scan. When the doctor finally came in with the results, he looked like someone had kicked him in the gut. He said he'd never seen a case as bad as mine and that I should be dead.

My lungs were FILLED with blood clots, CAUSED BY THE MASSIVE DOSE OF BIRTH CONROL PILLS I was on.

NO ONE told me what to watch for or the risk of taking all those pills. Grrrrrr.

I spent 3 days in ICU trying to stay alive. They ran every test imaginable on me, poked every vein I have and finally installed a central line in my neck (which sucked and was very painful).

So here's where it gets tricky. They took me off the pills (thank goodness) and put me on blood thinners to dissolve the clots. HELLO???!!! Any idea what that does to a girl? Yep, blood everywhere. So now I'm at risk of needed a blood transfusion which is why they are still watching me very closely.

On the fourth day they moved me to the Cardio-Pulmonary Unit so they could monitor my heart. It has become a victim of the lung problem. The right side, which pumps blood to the lungs, is enlarged from working so hard. We HOPE it will shrink down to the normal size once the clots are gone, but in the meantime I have weird flip flops (palpitations) that take what little breath I have away.

I was released on the evening of the 3rd and sent home with Oxygen and shots I had to give myself in the stomach. :-( I have strict orders to rest and not over exert myself. I have to have my blood drawn every other day to make sure the blood thinners are within the clinical range and have to see my doctor often to be sure everything else is progressing and that I'm not bleeding to death.

I will be on the blood thinners for 3-6 months, which means it will take that long for me to heal and get back to my regular routine. That also means I won't be able to have the surgery until then. :-(

NOW, what does this mean to YOU????

BELOVED is on hold. I only have 8-9 chapters left, so it won't take that long to finish it, but since I can't sit in one place for very long (need to keep blood in legs circulating so clots don't form there) it will take me longer to finish it. I'm not going to give a new release date because the last thing I need in my life is a little more pressure. But I promise I will work on it as much as I can and get it done as soon as possible.

In the meantime, I will release the cover and the first two chapters. I need to get that post ready and write up a newsletter, so it might take me a couple days, but watch for it THIS WEEK.

I'm truly sorry for all the delays, but they are beyond my control. I would give just about anything to have this book done and in your hands, but not my life. And like the title says, I don't think I could write as a Zombie.

Please know that I love each and every one of you and treasure your love of my writing. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful fan base and such great friends.

52 comments:

I am praying for a speedy recovery for you! You've been through so much already. Your health is the most important thing, so concentrate on that. Your fans will still be here when you are completely healed up and ready to finish the book...I know I'm not going anywhere.

My heck, Christine! Take care of yourself and worry about that first. If you die, your readers will never get that third book. Much better that you stick around--first for your family and friends and then for your fans.

omg omg omg!!!! Christine, I was just tearing up over and over reading this. And on top of that, hubs is a malpractice lawyer, you know, so he was predicting the exact path of your treatment as I'm reading this to him and saying, "I've got your next case here." :P I feel your pain w/the Lovonex shots. I don't know if you know said hubs up there got hit by a car jogging in March and broke his tibia & fibula and had to do the same thing while incapacitated. :P

omg. Can I just say we're all so glad you're still with us? We've all been praying for you, and HANG IN THERE!!! You will get through this and you will be stronger. ((huge hugs)) <3 <3 <3

So glad that your life was spared - and sorry for the long recovery. Hang in there - you've got lots of people in your corner. And delaying the release is wise - you'll also enjoy it more when you feel better.

How scary!! And what a perfect personal example of why birth control should be carefully monitored. If you almost died under a Dr's care, can you imagine what would happen if girls who don't know about blood clot risk could do to themselves? There's a reason these things should be handled with caution. I had no idea. Obviously, your Drs weren't as careful as they should have been. I'm so glad you're still here. Please, get better soon. ((hugs))

Christine, what a scary thing! I am praying for you to recover quickly. Hang in there, and put your writing aside if you need to. You can always brainstorm while you are recovering, and maybe voice record your ideas. Keep us updated!

Wow. Don't over do. You and your health come first. You've been in my prayers and it looks like your time is not up. Maybe you can use your experiences in a story later on or at least hold more empathy for those who go through big things like this. I can only imagine. Take care.

This post broke my heart, I had no idea you went through all that :"( nothing matters more than your health, take care, be strong, I hope deeply and sincerely you fully recover and come back even better.

That's awful. I hope things turn around. I'll pray for a quick recovery and inspired doctors. You're such a nice person, I hope we all get to enjoy you for a long time to come. Hang in there. Besides, if everything goes well we can have our Christine and read her too. Take care.

Take all the time that you need your true fans will be wainting!! Remeber first you second you and third yiu if you don't take care of your self how will!!! And happy that you have the support off your family!!!! God bless you and take care!!!

Take ur time and get better. As my mom always colorfully says, a book can wait life can't. just get better and when you feel up to it finnish the book. we we'll wait. and thank you for the gift you have already given us, your books are the best.

Well, speaking from experience, your right heart will get smaller and your pulmonary pressures will decrease (18 years in the echo business). I know it's hard but keep up the good attitude and the Lovonox shots. We will still be here waiting for you when you are back to yourself. In the meantime, you're in my prayers.

Oh my goodness, bless your sweet heart. As anxious as we all are to read the last book of the series hopefully all of your fans understand that your health is far more important. I sympathize with your struggles as I'm struggling with superficial blood clots and severe endometriosis. I can't imagine how exhausted your poor body must be. Take care of yourself and don't worry about the book, we all can wait. You are in my prayers.

OMG the last thing you should be worried about is this book. I know we all are on pins and needles waiting, but if you neglect yourself it certainly will never be finished. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I've been creeping along reading book 2 with the idea of finishing when the next book comes out. Yes, I am that silly. After reading my little bit today, I decided to check on the next book. I'm so glad I did because now I know how much you need prayer. I will lift you up each and every time I read my little tidbit. I'm at 60%, which has taken me 6 months to read...I'll slow down my reading to give you more time to get completely well before you even have to think about writing and such. Blessings!

The last thing you need to worry about right now is finishing the book. Take care of yourself. I hope this is all resolved for you soon. My mother went through something similar, she nearly bled to death (pretty much your same scenario)and the doctors were astounded she walked into the E.R. under her own power and was conscious. She ended up getting pretty much a full transfusion. She was able to get her hysterectomy two weeks later, which was good.

So you don't worry about the book or all of us, we love your books and Beloved is well worth waiting for.

So relax, get well and we will all pounce on the book as soon as you do get it out.

Wow! I can't believe medical professionals can be so inept! My mother and I have been anxiously awaiting your final book but as you say, "Zombies can't write". Take care, heal and try to rest during this time and know that there are many fans that will be that much more excited about your release when it arrives. God obviously was watching over you and wants you here a little longer.

Oh my GOSH! What a horrid saga!! Interestingly, I had the same initial problem when I was 33 (I'm 53 now). Bleeding myself into anemia, a fibroid-filled uterus, and ended up having a hysterectomy. Luckily no one gave me birth control pills (stupid things--ugh!!!). So sorry to hear of your health issues, and I pray things will go more smoothly for you from hereon out. Hugs!!

Dang woman! I was just about to pick on you for being a tease (just read the first two chapters of Beloved and LOVED it) but I hope you know your true fans want you to take time to heal. We will be praying for you.

WOW! You have all this going on with you and your worried about getting the book out to us? I think I may speak with all of us when I say: Just reset, relax and get better. Right now that is all that matters, we can wait for the book. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

I am so sorry for what you going(gone) thru, I can understand a very small fraction of it. Just gone thru something similar last fall after a miscarriege, uncontrollable bleeding, tumor(non cancers thank heavens). Am so glad you are doing somewhat better and will continue to pray on your behalf. Much loved.

I didn't even know who you were until last week when I discovered Bound. I finished it yesterday and read Broken today. More than wanting to read book 3, I want you healed and whole. I am sending up prayers for swift healing and for all associated needs to be met. Health and family are more important than worrying about disappointing your fans. You have a gift as a storyteller and writer. We want you well so you can continue operating in that gift.

Ok having read both books several times my mind is starving for Beloved, how ever your right Zombies can't write. So take extreme care of yourself. If you get hate mail delete them fast they don't appreciatethe blessing you are to this world. As some one once said,"look out for your star player,(that's you), and if others don't like it f-them and feed them catfish with big bones!" Take care. We can wait :)

I have had blood clots, and my mom went thru the 1yr straight menstruation leading to hysterectomy issue, so I can definitely empathize, and will pray for your full and imminent recovery.

I finished reading Bound three days ago, and completed Broken last night. I was devastated to think that was the end of the story, or that I might have to wait months and months for the next book. You can't imagine my relief to find this news today, that Beloved is coming sooner rather than later.

I started reading Bound 2-days ago and Broken last night. I was looking for Beloved and selected the link to your page. I want to say, I have really enjoyed the first two books and am praying for your quick recovery. I will wait as patiently as I can for you to feel well enough to finish the book and am absolutely certain it will be worth the wait.

Please get well soon! You have been through so much! I loved the first two books so much & while I can't wait for the third, you need all your energy for healing. If only we had a Kira to fun you up! Thinking of you. X

Your health is way more important so make yourself your number one priority. I'd rather have you hale, happy & healthy so the wait for Beloved is a no-brainer. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this time. Sandi above said it best in that we want you well so we can continue sharing in your wonderful worlds.

I hope you have a speedy recovery with no issues. Your health is important so do what you can to get better. The fans who read the first two books will be here when the third book is released. DO NOT FEEL PRESSURE TO GET IT DONE!

That is just horribly scary. I read the first book bound and was glued to it and got so involved in it i would dream about it. Then when I read broken it was the same. I laughed and cried in both books loved loved them. Please take care of yourself I cannot wait to read beloved when you are finished along with any others you write.

Hi, I have only recently discovered your novels and managed to read both of them in two days flat. I am an absolute addict when it comes to reading. (My surname is Reader!) I have just finished Broken and went on search for the next installment and came across your blog.

I have to tell you that you are an amazing human being to have overcome and still be going through everything you are going through. My mom got sick a few years back with a thyroid condition that had not been treated for roughly ten years. She had various symptoms over the years but it all came to a head in 2006 where her body started attacking itself. Her thyroid was producing too much adrenaline which is what caused her body to attack itself. She lost 15kg in 2 weeks which doesn't sound like a lot but she lost all her strength. It took her 15 minutes just to be able to sit up in bed.

She went to various specialists and doctors and they kept telling her there was nothing wrong with her, it was all in her head. One ER doctor even went as far as to say that she had a "Panic attack disorder" which is the furthest thing from the truth. Not only because she is my mom do I say this but she was a fighter! With everything that has been thrown her way in her life she stood up tall and carried on fighting. To me she is the most amazing woman in the world and after reading your blog I have realized that you come a close second!

To get up everyday and drag yourself through it is never something that is easy! I battle with a slight case of depression but nowhere near the extent that it seems you do. I know how difficult it is to find happiness in things that generally always make you happy, but one thing has never changed for me... READING is my outlet! I wish I could write amazing stories like you do, but my creative talents lie elsewhere.

I just want you to know that there are always people out there to listen to you when you need it (sometimes talking to a stranger is sometimes easier).

Keep up the amazing work and I look forward to Beloved as soon as you have finished it :)

Your health is much more important than any book. You need to focus on getting better for the sake of you, and being with your family longer. Not about a book. Hope everything goes good in the next few months.

Beloved

PURCHASE BELOVED

"God expects you to have enough faith and determination and enough trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. In fact, He expects you not simply to face the future; He expects you to embrace and shape the future--to love it and rejoice in it and delight in your opportunities.

God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe." ~ Jeffrey R. Holland

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In my own little corner of my own little world, I am queen.To most, I am a mother and a wife.To my husband, I am supportive.To my son, I am his world.To my friends, I am loyal.To my Father in Heaven, I am faithful.To myself, I am a writer.To the universe, I am listening.To you, I am waiting . . . come on in.